Trans-tympanic insertion of an angiocatheter with a stopper for treatment of patulous Eustachian tube.

Background: Plugging of the Eustachian tube (ET) is an effective method for treating patulous Eustachian tube (PET). However, no material suitable for plugging is commercially available. A plugging material was made using an angiocatheter and a ventilating tube (VT).

Methods: An 18-gauge angiocatheter was cut 25 mm from the tip, and the cut end was occluded and widened by melting using a candle. The angiocatheter was inserted into the hole of a Paparella type 1 VT, which was moved to the cut end of the catheter. The VT acted as a stopper at tympanic orifice of ET to prevent the angiocatheter from descending into nasopharynx. Two women with PET received ET-plugging surgery using this plugging material via trans-tympanic approach.

Results: All symptoms of PET disappeared after surgery. There have been no postoperative complications, and the catheter has functioned well without extrusion.

Conclusion: A plug created from an angiocatheter and a VT is easy to make and is effective for the treatment of PET.